The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1887-05-14
A CENTRAL AMERICAN CONFEDERA.
TiON.

Some time ago a convention Of repre-
sen:atives from the several Central
American Republics was held at the
city of Guatemala, when an interna.
tional treaty of amity and close associa-
tion between all the powers represent
ed was agreed upon. 1t has since been
detinitively ratified and officially pro-
mutgated by all. The governments
which signed it are: Guatemala,
Nicaragua, Hondguras, Costa Rica and
San Salvador. Theireaty, which con-
tains thirty-two articles, declares that
its OBJ ject is "to establish an intimate
relationship between the five republics,
based on justice and good feeling, in
order to cement the friendly Relations
ship between the republics, to create a
permanent feeling of confidence, and
by making the continuance Of peace
certain, thus provide for their final
fusion into one country"
1t is provided that perpetual peace
and loyal amity shall exist between
the three republics; that all differences
shall be arranged, and that in the
! event of this proving impossible, such
differences shall be submitted to ar
bitration. 1t is provided that the cit
izens of all the States shall have equal
rights in every State with the citizens
thereof. Citizens of one republic can
be naturaljzed in any of the others on
one years residence other foreigners
in three years. All articles indigenous
to or manufactured in any of the sig.
natory republics shall be exempt from
import, export and municipal (octroi)
matte or consular agents of any one
republic are required to act TOR tho
citizens Of any other republic when
called upon TO do so, and the legaliza-
tion OF deed or paper by the consul
of one shall be sufficient evidence of its
execution Ia all. The five republics
agree to enter the postal union, and
make all printed matter free of pos
tage. \ uniform system of coinage,
weights and measures, and of the penal
and civil codes is provided for.
Arrangement is also made for the
assembling of an international congress
every two years, the members of
which will discuss all measures tend
ing to promote the greatness of Central
America, and the abrogation of exist
ing laws, the reasons which deter
mined the establishment of which
have become obsolete. These meet
ings will take place in the following
order, commencing from Sept. 10, 1883:
Consta Eica, Salvador, Honduras,
Nicaragua aud Guatemala.
1t will observed that Mexico and
the adjacent South American States
have been left ont of The confederation.
The countries forming this association
are rich in native wealth, but physi
caily weak in the ability to defend
themselves against the powerful pre-
datory nations to whose cupiIity the
Central American States have con.
stantly presented temptation and often
afforded prey. In the lifetime of Bar
rios, the late vigorous ruler of Guate-
inala, the cOnSummatiOn Of this con-
federation was much desired by him,
and he made Il visit to the United
States to secure its couHtenance and
the assurance OF lis favor and powerful
protection in case OF trouble with for
eigu powers. This visit was barren Of
results, and the Central American
Republics came to the conclusion that
the "Monroe doctrine" of which they
had heard 50 much, was merely a
/ North American tradition without
( force or vitality. 1t appears that the
! act of confederation was entered into
without regard to the United States
/ Pi"TYtUIc.